My apolgies, Jim B, and thank you for your considered response.
The strobe is not, in fact, for me, but for my brother who is intending to
set sail across the Atlantic from the Cape coast of South Africa sometime
during the coming year. I'll pass your message on to him.

Regards,

Mike C.

"Jim B" wrote in message
...
To Jim B - if ever this light has to be used, it isn't likely to be
anywhere
near to shore, and I won't care what people think I am, just as long as
they
notice me!

Mike.

Nothing to do with being near the shore.

It's in the colregs actually, Mike. Strobes are permitted for Hovercraft
and
pair trawlers exclusively! Though I take your point about being visible,
the
most appropriate (colregs) signal is a bright white light, which has to be
avoided in all situations (ie; the attacking - sorry - approaching -
vessel
is overtaking - seeing a stern light, or it's seeing a vessel at anchor).
Which is why so many sailors worried about the possibility of collision
correctly carry a 'steamer scarer' - a white flare - for use in panic
situations.

Seeing a strobe light for most motor vessels says that they're looking at
a
fast moving vessel (hovercraft) which will avoid them irrespective of the
colregs - because it's so mobile. Or, if they see two of them, they
suspect
they're connected and going between would be dangerous to someone. Of
course, some watchkeepers just have puzzled expressions on their faces as
they search for other lights to tell them what's what.

If you disagree with the existing colregs, on the grounds that they're
inappropriate or inadequate, then drop a line to the RYA or the Cruising
Association and suggest the change. Meanwhile, do your own thing. But be
aware that in any post-collision enquiry you'd have a problem supporting
your insurance claim.

If your judgement is that a collision is less likely with a strobe - by
all
means pursue that route. Perhaps have a chat with your insurance company
first - or perhaps don't tell them. Your choice. But a strobe is outside
the
current law except - (which is where we came in).

Have fun sailing. Just trying to help.
--
Jim B, Yacht RAPAZ,
Sadly, for sale:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jim.bae...cification.htm
jim[dot]baerselman[at]ntlworld[dot]com .